outstanding questions

USAGE SUMMARY

'outstanding questions' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a set of questions that still need to be answered or resolved. For example: "We have addressed some of the issues, but there are still some outstanding questions that need to be answered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But there are outstanding questions about Roberts, too.

The New Yorker

One of the "big outstanding questions," he said, is whether all patients will eventually get dementia.

The New York Times - Health

But given the outstanding questions, looking like an idiot is the best case.

The New York Times

"Answers to many of the outstanding questions have died with Mr Megrahi".

Independent

We'd like to hear the answers to a lot of those outstanding questions.

The New York Times

In scores of interviews in recent months, a number of outstanding questions emerged.

The New York Times - Health

These are the outstanding questions: first, why has there been no action against the bank?

The Guardian - Opinion

There are still some outstanding questions here.

TechCrunch

Outstanding questions, however, remain, for example interference in multiple ET routes and environmentally induced barrier fluctuations.

Electrochimica Acta

Outstanding questions and new issues raised by ABC triblock copolymer nanstructures are discussed.

Polymer

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: clinical and radiological manifestations, pathophysiology, and outstanding questions.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outstanding questions", ensure the context clearly indicates what these questions relate to. Providing specific examples or categories of questions can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "outstanding questions" without specifying the subject or field. State clearly what areas the questions pertain to, ensuring the reader understands the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding questions" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to inquiries that have not yet been resolved. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outstanding questions" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to unresolved inquiries. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in science, news, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the scope of the questions. Alternatives like "unresolved questions" or "open questions" can be used depending on the desired nuance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is a useful and accepted part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unresolved questions

Replaces "outstanding" with "unresolved", focusing on the lack of resolution.

open questions

Substitutes "outstanding" with "open", highlighting the fact that these questions are still subject to discussion.

unanswered questions

Replaces "outstanding" with "unanswered", emphasizing the lack of response or solution.

pending questions

Changes "outstanding" to "pending", suggesting the questions are awaiting attention.

remaining questions

Replaces "outstanding" with "remaining", focusing on what's left to be addressed.

unsettled questions

Uses "unsettled" instead of "outstanding", highlighting the lack of a final decision or agreement.

unresolved issues

Broadens the scope from questions to issues that are yet to be solved, also focuses on the lack of resolution.

unanswered inquiries

Replaces both words, with synonyms, emphasizing the formal nature of the query.

unaddressed concerns

Shifts focus from questions to concerns that have not been dealt with, adding an element of worry.

lingering doubts

Transitions to doubts that persist, implying a lack of certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "outstanding questions" in a sentence?

You can use "outstanding questions" to refer to unresolved or unanswered inquiries. For instance, "Despite the research, several "outstanding questions" remain about the long-term effects."

What's a good alternative to "outstanding questions"?

Alternatives include "unresolved questions", "open questions", or "unanswered questions", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What does "outstanding questions" mean?

"Outstanding questions" refers to questions that have not yet been answered or resolved. They are issues or inquiries that require further investigation or discussion.

Are there any specific situations where it's best to use "outstanding questions"?

The phrase "outstanding questions" is suitable in academic, professional, and general contexts when discussing topics that require further clarification or research. For example, "The committee will address the "outstanding questions" during the next session."